Scottish Premiership: Tavernier seals Rangers win over Kilmarnock

Rangers showed both the good and bad sides of their personality during their 3-1 win over struggling Kilmarnock at Ibrox.

Rangers players and fans were still smarting from the ViaPlay Cup final defeat to Celtic last Sunday, Michael Beale’s first defeat as manager, as they turned their attention back to the Premiership.

Connor Goldson’s goal after six minutes prevented the visitors settling into the game and winger Fashion Sakala doubled the lead with a drive on 25 minutes before captain James Tavernier scored from the spot just before the break after VAR had identified handball.

Supporters’ contentment turned to consternation however, when Killie defender Jeriel Dorsett reduced the deficit on the hour mark and the home side could not get back into their first-half stride. Rangers moved within six points of league leaders Celtic.

Josh Ginnelly scored two as Hearts tightened their grip on third spot in the Premiership with a 3-0 home win over St Johnstone.

The Englishman scored in either half before Jorge Grant sealed an ultimately comfortable victory for Robbie Neilson’s side, who remain five points clear of city rivals Hibernian in the battle for a European place.

Kevin van Veen continued his Dingwall goalscoring spree to earn Motherwell a 2-0 win over 10-man Ross County.

Van Veen headed home four minutes after Jack Baldwin had been sent off following a VAR review after bringing down the Motherwell striker.

The Dutchman netted his 17th goal of the season in the 88th minute to make it six in his last three visits to the Highlands.

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